The Calgary Flames already have some impressive pieces on their blue line, especially on the right side with Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz profiling as key pieces of the rebuild for years to come. On top of that, there's veteran Zach Whitecloud and prospect Henry Mews that could play key roles moving forward as well, so why would they look towards a RHD in the 2026 NHL Draft?
Well, the reason behind that is that Soo Greyhounds blue liner Chase Reid has some of the highest potential in the draft, with some beleiving he may even go as high as No. 2 to the San Jose Sharks on draft night.
There's a chance he falls however, and with the Flames set to draft at No. 6 overall, let's take a look at one of the most exciting prospects heading into the 2026 NHL Draft.
Pre-Draft Production
Year | Team | League | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023/24 | Waterloo Black Hawks | USHL | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +1 |
2024/25 | Bismark Bobcats | NAHL | 18 | 6 | 6 | 12 | +5 |
2024/25 | Soo Greyhounds | OHL | 39 | 7 | 33 | 40 | +4 |
2025/26 | Soo Greyhounds | OHL | 45 | 18 | 30 | 48 | +27 |
2026 | Team USA | World Juniors | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Clearly, Reid has been growing over the years as he develops through the junior ranks, and in 2025/26, he put it all together with the Soo Greyhounds, posting 18 goals and 48 points in just 45 games played. At his size (6-foot-3), any offensive production is fantastic, but with 18 goals in those 45 games, he's shown he has the ability to put the puck in the back of the net.
On top of that, he had two goals for Team USA at the World Juniors, and as his game continues to develop, the production grows year over year. It's unclear if that will translate again to the NHL level, but with the size, the offensive skills and the balanced game, it's easy to see why many have him as the top defenseman on the board heading into the draft.
Strengths
In terms of positives, there are very few players in the draft that tick as many boxes as Reid, but with his edgework and his straight downhill speed at the size of 6-foot-3, it's hard to see that type of combination from many others in this draft. On top of that, he's got the ability to be a powerplay QB immediately upon arrival in the NHL, but it doesn't stop there, as he's shown an ability to drive play at 5-on-5 as well.
The positives don't stop there however, as he has a high level motor and is a minutes eater, and in the NHL, that's just as valuable as anything on the blue line. On paper, the strengths for Reid are endless, and after his immense leap over the past 18 months, if he continues to grow and improve, he could be a top pairing defenseman in the NHL in no time.
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